The Abbasids were the third major Islamic caliphate, ruling from 750 to 1258 CE, with Baghdad as their capital. Their art integrated Mesopotamian and Sassanian influences, and is characterized by large brick constructions and intricate stucco decorations.

Named after the influential 18th-century Jannissary Abd al-Rahman Katkhuda, this style is recognized by its elegant Mamluk-Ottoman architectural features. It blends polylobed segmented arches, pierced muqarnas decorations, engaged columns, epigraphy, and carved Anatolian floral motifs.

Named after the Arabic janzir (gear), this wooden lattice often adorns mosque screens, minbars, and sabils, filtering light into intricate designs. The screens are formed by radial patterns of interlocking wooden units that mimic mechanical precision.

This is the plural form of udhiya (sacrifice). The term relates to practices around the preparation and offering of animals during the Muslim religious festival Eid al-Adha.

A Turkish term that originates from the Mongolian language, where it means "the eldest brother." The word later came to signify authority. In the Ottiman context, the Agha was the head of the Janissaries.

The Aghlabids were a dynasty that ruled Ifriqiya (modern Tunisia and eastern Algeria) from 800 to 909 CE as vassals of the Abbasid Caliphate. They are known for their early Islamic architecture, including the iconic Great Mosque of Kairouan. Their architectural style influenced later Islamic architecture in North Africa and Cairo.

An Arabic term meaning “family of the house” in reference to Prophet Muhammad’s family. In Islamic culture and architecture, their significance often influences religious buildings, inscriptions, and motifs, as seen in various Cairene mosques and madrasas linked to Shi‘i traditions and reverence.

A term meaning "the sacred,"commonly used to describe holy precincts or mosques such as Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. In colloquial language, the term is associated with trangressions on the sacred, and has thus aquired the meaning of "forbidden."

An official title in the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods held by the official responsible for managing the wardrobe and ceremonial clothing of the sultan or high-ranking rulers. Al-Jamdar ensured that official garments and regalia were maintained and appropriately presented, reflecting status and authority in court ceremonies.

An official title in the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods held by the official responsible for tasting the sultan's food to ensure that it is not poisoned.

Literally meaning "octagon with a drum." This is a subcategory of manjur (carpented) screen lattices. It appears in windows and above door openings in domestic architecture in Egypt, particularly in Cairo and Egyptian coastal cities.

The third capital of Islamic Egypt, established by Ahmad ibn Tulun northeast of Egypt's first Islamic capital al-Fustat. The only survivimg remnant of this city is the Ibn Tulun Mosque.

Meaning “sword-bearer,” this was a prestigious Mamluk and Ottoman court position held by the officer responsible for carrying and safeguarding the sultan’s sword, symbolizing military authority and loyalty.

An official in charge of managing the household affairs and personnel of a royal or noble residence, similar to a steward or chief butler, overseeing daily operations and ensuring smooth functioning of the household. This title was used in the Mamluk and Ottoman periods.

A title meaning “commander” or “prince” in Arabic, used widely in Islamic governance to denote military leaders or noblemen entrusted with authority over troops or territories.

The Asian part, constituting what is now Turkey, extending from the Black Sea in the North to the Mediterranean in the South. It is also known as Asia Minor.

In architecture, the apex refers to the highest point or peak of a structure, such as the top of an arch, dome, or roof. It often serves as a focal element in design, contributing to the overall silhouette and balance of architectural forms.

A decorative style featuring intricate, rhythmic patterns of intertwined foliage, vines, and geometric forms. It emphasizes balance, symmetry, and infinite repetition reflecting divine unity. Arabesques adorn architectural elements, including walls, ceilings, and woodwork.

A title that was used to describe the children of the Mamluks, who were born in Egypt, not enslaved. The term literally means "the children of the people" and is still used in colloquial Egyptian to refer to well-raised, well-educated, elite people.

Literally meaning "crow's nest." It a type of zoomorphic motif typically found in Mamluk woodwork, and is used to frame star-rossettes. It is composed of a half-sic pointed star, with one elongated arm.

An Ottoman title of honor and rank, "Bey" or "Bek" was used for chieftains, provincial governors, or military commanders. It denotes nobility or authority and was commonly held by influential figures in Ottoman Egypt.

Greater Syria, which now constitutes Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan.

See Maristan.

A blind niche is a recessed architectural element set into a wall but without an opening. Often ornamental, it provides texture and rhythm on façades or interiors, mimicking a functional niche while serving purely decorative purposes in Islamic and other architectures.

A historic empire whose architecture influenced early Egyptian Christian and Islamic designs. Byzantine patterns appear in floral and geometric motifs, carved pillars, and painted walls within Cairo. These elements contributed to the city's architectural blend, seen in early churches and some Islamic monuments reusing Byzantine spolia and styles.

The religious and political leader of the Islamic community, especially influential during the Fatimid Caliphate in Cairo's early history. Caliphs commissioned monumental religious and civic architecture, shaping Cairo's urban and decorative pattern heritage. Their patronage left lasting architectural legacies such as mosques, madrasas, and intricate ornamental details.

A botanical term often used in art historical analyses to refer to the cup-shaped outer part of a flower. In decorative patterns, the calyx motif was frequently stylized in floral arabesques and woodwork throughou Cairo's history.

A type of fragrant flower with serrated petals. It became a staple in Ottoman ornamentation repretoire.

A structurally enclosed tomb, often referring to the surrounding box-like grille (similar to a maqsura).

Cursive refers to flowing, connected Arabic calligraphy styles, such as Diwani and Naskh. These are used decoratively on walls, tiles, and manuscripts, blending artistic fluidity with spiritual expression.

The lower part of a wall, often including some form of decoration (marble, tile, or paint).

A term meaning "Palace of the Governor" in early Islamic architecture, it refers to the official residence and administrative center of a local ruler or governor adjacent to major mosques. Architecturally, it features fortified walls, towers, courtyards, and throne rooms, symbolizing political authority and control.

An Islamic devotional practice involving the repetitive recitation of God's names or phrases. In Cairo’s architectural context, dhikr spaces may be decorated with intricate calligraphic patterns that celebrate divine attributes, enhancing spiritual ambiance within mosques and Sufi lodges.

The individual panels or sections that make up a door, often made of wood or metal. In Historic Cairo, door leaves are richly carved with geometric, floral, and calligraphic motifs, showcasing traditional craftsmanship and serving as key decorative elements in buildings.

An Islamic supplication or prayer, often personal and spontaneous. Du‘a’ inscriptions are found as ornamental calligraphy in Cairo’s religious and cultural architecture, serving both decorative and spiritual functions by invoking blessings and divine protection.

A Turkish term meaning "parakeet." It is associated with Ruqayya Dudu, daughter of Radwan Katkhuda al-Jalfi, one of the influencial Janissaries of the Ottoman periods. Ruqayya was earned this nickname due to her exotic beauty.

The central lower space in a qa‘a surrounded by one to three iwans and often containing a central fountain (fasqiyya).

A dense, hard, and almost black-colored wood deriving from the Diospyros genus (which thrives in warm and/or tropical climates).

A title used in Ottoman and Egyptian contexts for a person of social rank or official standing. Effendi were often landowners, merchants, or administrators influencing Cairo’s architectural heritage through residence commissions.

Exterior surface of an arch or dome.

The main exterior wall of a building.

The Shi'a Islamic dynasty (969–1171 CE) that founded Cairo. The Fatimid era is noted for distinct architecture with ornate stucco decoration, intricate woodwork, and symbolic patterns blending political and spiritual motifs. Key landmarks include Al-Aqmar Mosque and city walls.

Intricate metalwork composed of a fine, twisted wire.

A motif developed from the lily flower used in different cultures across the globe.

A fountain or basin.

A painting technique on wet plaster walls, used in Islamic Cairo primarily during the Fatimid period. Frescoes depict figurative or geometric motifs, often in bathhouses and palaces, serving both decorative and narrative roles. Fatimid frescoes show Persian influences and are rare examples of painted Islamic art.

"ِِAn architectural ornament consisting of a
horizontal sculptured band between
the architrave and the cornice."

Refers to the dynasty that ruled parts of Afghanistan and northern India during the 12th-13th centuries, known for distinctive Islamic art and architecture. Although centered outside Cairo, Ghurid influence contributed to regional patterns and styles that occasionally intersect with Cairo’s Islamic decorative traditions.

A Turkish term meaning "rosebud," used to describe a specific floral motif common in Ottoman and Islamic decorative arts. Its stylized form appears in Cairo’s patterns, especially in textiles, tilework, and woodcarving.

A Sufi term referring to collective chanting or ritual invocation of God’s names. Architecturally, hadra spaces in Cairo often feature acoustically optimized chambers adorned with calligraphy and patterns that enhance spiritual atmosphere in Sufi lodges or khanqahs.

The private living quarters for women within a household, traditionally secluded. In Cairo’s historic residences, the harem features intricate decorative woodwork, lattice screens (mashrabiyas), and patterned ceramics, reflecting both privacy and aesthetic refinement.

A decorative motif from Central Asia depicting stylized flowers and leaves in intricate repetition. Hatayi patterns influenced Cairo’s textiles, ceramics, and architectural ornamentation, adding novel aesthetic elements to Islamic art’s rich repertoire.

A drinking trough for animals.

An open courtyard of family tombs.

A historical term for a region covering parts of North Africa including Tunisia, Libya, and eastern Algeria, under various Islamic dynasties. Its architectural styles influenced Fatimid-era Cairo, blending North African, Byzantine, and eastern Islamic motifs, especially in decorative patterns and urban design.

A dynasty ruling Egypt (935–969 CE) before the Fatimids, notable for early Islamic architectural works. Their legacy includes structures that hybridize Abbasid and local styles, contributing foundational elements to Cairo’s urban and decorative heritage, predating Fatimid innovations.

The internal curve or underside of an arch or vault, forming the visible surface beneath the arch in Cairo’s Islamic architecture. Intrados surfaces often bear ornamental elements like carved stucco, calligraphy, or geometric patterns enhancing interior aesthetics.

A branch of Shia Islam prominent under the Fatimids. Isma‘ili doctrinal influence is seen in the city’s religious architecture, with symbolic motifs and inscriptions reflecting their theological beliefs and political authority.

A rectangular vaulted hall with walls on three sides and an open fourth side.

Elite Ottoman infantry troops. While primarily military, their presence influenced Ottoman Cairo’s architecture through barracks and urban structures with Ottoman stylistic features.

An Islamic term meaning "struggle" or "striving," sometimes reflected in inscriptions on Cairo’s mosque decorations emphasizing spiritual and moral resistance.

Stone arch segments with interlocking edges to reinforce the arch’s strength. Joggled voussoirs appear in Cairo’s Islamic arches, combining engineering with ornamental patterns enhancing arch aesthetics.

A leafy green plant (Corchorus olitorius), also known as mulukhiyya or Egyptian spinach. It is widely used in Egyptian cuisine as a nutritious, mucilaginous soup.

Miracles of Sufi saints.

A Turkish word that originates from Persian, where it means "the lord of the house." It became commonly used in the Ottoman context to mean a deputy of a higher authority. In the Janissaries, the Katkhuda was the deputy of the Agha, making him the second authority person in the leadership hierarchy. However, in the eighteenth century, the authority of the Katkhudas surpassed the Aghas, and they became the de facto leaders of the Janissaries.

A solitary retreat or cell used in Sufi practice for spiritual exercises and meditation, typically within a khanqah or mosque complex. It is designed to isolate the practitioner from distractions, often a small windowless, simple room fostering spiritual focus and self-purification.

Pertaining to the Khalwati Sufi order, known for emphasizing solitary retreat (khalwa) as a path to spiritual enlightenment. Architectural spaces for Khalwati practices include small cells or rooms in khanqahs designed to accommodate their specific rituals and meditative traditions.

A caravanserai or inn that historically provided lodging and trading spaces for merchants and travelers in Cairo.

A building or complex serving as a residence and gathering place for Sufis, often including prayer halls, living quarters, kitchens, and sometimes schools or mausoleums. The Khanqah functions as a spiritual retreat and community center promoting Sufi teachings and practices in Cairo.

Persian word meaning "tent." It was associated with the tents of the elite and the sultan.

The traditional Arabic term used for turned wood decoration that appears in screens, mashrabiyyas, and other wooden objects. It has several subtypes, each corresponding to a particular pattern or motif executed using timy carved turned-wood elements.

ِAn honorific title of Persian origin used for noble or royal women in Mamluk Cairo, often female patrons of architecture and arts. It signifies social prestige and influence in court culture, with some Khawands sponsoring the construction of funerary monuments and khanqahs that contribute to Cairo’s Islamic architectural heritage.

The title of Egypt’s viceroys under Ottoman rule in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Khedives played a key role in modernizing Cairo’s architecture and urban fabric, blending Islamic traditions with European and Ottoman styles, which added new layers to Cairo’s historic cityscape.

Khitat are the historic urban plans of Cairo’s spatial layout and architectural heritage. The term is also used to denote a genre to topographical historical works that detail Cairo's urban history.

The word comes from Khayma or tent, meaning tent making. It is type of sewing technique resembling quilting, where the intricate design is achieved by seemlessly sewing the coloured patches on the main fabric. The art of tent making has been an active Cairene art since the Fatimid period.

"The earliest star-rosettes were formed by a 6-pointed star surrounded by regular hexagons. As the central star increased in size the hexagons became irregular in shape and were eventually known as “kinda” while the central star became known as a “tirs.” The irregularity in the “kinda” required the addition of small lozenges as a geometric link to the regular central star; these became known as the “loza” (Arabic for almond) due to their shape. Together, the “tirs”, “kinda,” and “loza” represent the basic geometric units of the Mamluk star-rosette pattern.
"

This term, with Persian roots, refers to the marble frieze designs used to frame floors, walls, plain marble panels, fountains and more, in historic buildings. Kirandaz friezes can take many stylistic forms including braids, interlocking geometric shapes, and even star-rosettes.

An angular style of calligraphy, which was developed during the Umayyad period as one of the earliest attempts to produce a beautified calligraphic style. The style is attributed to Kufa, a city in Iraq, which was one of the earliest Islamic cities to be founded by Muslims.

In Cairo's architectural and decorative context, Kuri refers to a chair or stand often elaborately designed and integrated in historic interiors and furnishings. It diplays great artistic craftsmanship, frequently appearing in religious, residential, and public spaces, embodying traditional Cairene design aesthetics and motifs.

Kütahye refers to a distinctive style of ceramic tile and pottery originally from the Turkish town of Kütahya. These tiles, traditionally in white and cobalt blue, appear in Cairo's Ottoman-era architecture, adorning walls and surfaces with vibrant colors and floral or geometric patterns.

A children primary school that used to offer basic teachings of reading and writing, in addition of the Quran.

The horizontal beam spanning the opening of doors, portals, or windows.

See Kinda.

A type of glazed ceramics characterized by a metalic irrediscent sheen. The technique was adopted from glassware in Egypt and Iraq during the early Abbasid period in the 7th-8th centuries, then became a popular hallmark of Islamic ceramics from Afghanistan to Spain.

A style of ribbed finial that decorates the top of minarets that particularly flourished in the Ayyubid and Mamluk period. It literally means “incense burner” Arabic, and was first coined by Orientalist Richard Burton, for he had been told that incense was burned at top of Cairo’s minarets to perfume mosques.

Generic term for tomb or grave. Depending on the format of the tomb or grave can also be called hawsh (open courtyard of family tombs) or qubba (a domed mausoleum) or darih (a structurally enclosed tomb or cenotaph)

A genre of Arabic poetry focused on the praise of notable figures, such as the Prophet Muhammad, typically preceding Sufi sama‘at (audition ceremonies).

"An architectural typology of buildings used as an Islamic institution for higher education and the teaching of religious sciences. The building usually consists of a central courtyard surrounded by two or four iwans (vaulted open hall). Each iwan corresponded to a different school of Islamic jurisprudence.
These multi-functional buildings would also incorporate residential spaces for students among other functions. "

A geometric pattern characterised by a rotated square nested in another upright square. The term comes from the Arabic word "fark," which means "to twist."

In Arabic, the term literally means “Western” or “from the West”; used to refer to things from Western Islamic Lands (eg. Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Spain).

In Arabic, the term literally means “Western” or “from the West”; used to refer to things from Western Islamic Lands (eg. Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Spain, Mauritania, and Libya).

A richly decorated ceremonial litter traditionally associated with religious pilgrimages in Islamic culture. It historically moved from Cairo to the Hijaz in a celebratory procession and carried the kiswa (textile coveriing) of the Ka'ba.

Malqaf is a traditional architectural feature in Cairo comprising a wind catcher or air shaft used for natural ventilation in historic buildings. It reflects the ingenious environmental design patterns in Cairo’s architecture, aimed at cooling interiors by capturing and directing breezes, showcasing local adaptation in building practices.

"Noun:
Referring to a slave soldier of Turkic origin.

Time period:
Referring to a medieval dynasty of slave soldiers, originally Turks from Central Asia, who ruled Egypt from 1250 to 1517 CE. Their rule is commonly divided into two dynasties, the Bahri Mamluks (1250 - 1382 CE) and the Burji Mamluks (1382-1517 CE)."

"Carpented" screen lattices that appear in windows and above door openings in domestic architecture in Egypt, particularly in Cairo and Egyptian coastal cities. It has several subtypes, each displaying a specific decorative pattern in the wooden inserts.

An architectural unit that overlooks the courtyard of a house and functions as a loggia. They existed in 13 known styles (eg. Coptic, Turkish, Samawi, Diwani...etc) and had seasonal uses (the winter maq’ad was separate from the summer maq’ad).

Maqamat is a classical Arabic literary genre blending rhymed prose and poetry. It features episodic tales of a witty, roguish hero and a narrator, combining eloquent language, satire, and storytelling. The most known example is Maqamat al-Hariri, written by an Abbasid poet and government official, and can be seen on Cairo's architectural epigraphy.

An enclosure, often made of a wooden screen, found on one side of the prayer hall. This enclosure is typically reserved for rulers and separates them during prayers from the rest of the people.

Another term for bimaristan, which is a word of Persian origin meaning “place for the ill”. This term is used to refer to hospitals in the early and medieval Islamic world. Hospitals were also sometimes referred to as Dar al-Shifa’.

The craft of applying different small pieces of wood, ivory, metal, or other materials together in one structure to form intricate decorative designs. It differs from inlay which requires that cutouts be made into a solid material to receive inserts of a separate material. In marquetry the materials are glued together creatively rather than inserted into one another.

A shrine or sanctuary. Quite often symbolically representing the grave of a person although they may be buried elsewhere. In cases where it is a vision shrine, or mashhad ru’ya, it commemorates a vision someone had of the person it is dedicated to at that location.

A shrine or sanctuary. Quite often symbolically representing the grave of a person although they may be buried elsewhere. In cases where it is a vision shrine, or mashhad ru’ya, it commemorates a vision someone had of the person it is dedicated to at that location.

Projecting screens made of turned wood that covered the windows of Islamic houses. Their composition allowed for sufficient ventilation and lighting of domestic space without exposing the inhabitants to neighbors or passersby on the streets. Traditional clay water jars were often placed within these screens to cool naturally; this is a possible connection to their name which stems from the Arabic word sharab, which means to drink.

Another name for a mosque, usually used to refer to smaller neighborhood mosques while the word Jami’ is used to refer to larger Friday mosques.

A round decorative ornament. In Arabic, more specific terminology to differentiate between medallions based on their architectural placement. Midalyya is used to refer to medallions generically. Surra, coming from the word for bellybutton, is used to refer to central medallions such as those in the apex of domes or the centers of mihrab hoods. Qamariyya is used for pierced medallions that cover openings while shamsiyya for semi-circular openings (also called lunettes).

A round decorative ornament. In Arabic, more specific terminology to differentiate between medallions based on their architectural placement. Midalyya is used to refer to medallions generically. Surra, coming from the word for bellybutton, is used to refer to central medallions such as those in the apex of domes or the centers of mihrab hoods. Qamariyya is used for pierced medallions that cover openings while shamsiyya for semi-circular openings (also called lunettes).

The 24th letter in the Arabic alphabet. During the Mamluk period, a type of rounded knotted pattern was named after the letter.

More commonly a niche, and less commonly a recessed room or marker, that indicates the direction towards the Ka‘aba in Mecca (known as qibla direction) toward which Muslims pray.

A tower built as part of a mosque, either engaged or standalone and often with a series of high balconies, from which the azan or call to prayer is conducted for the five daily obligatory Muslim prayers.

A type of illustration that is found in historic illuminated manuscripts. While it’s known as miniature painting because the people and objects it depicted were quite small in size, a number of these paintings were full page compositions.

A mosaic dado is a decorative horizontal band or lower wall panel adorned with mosaic patterns, typically found in Islamic Cairo’s architecture. These dadoes showcase intricate geometric and vegetal mosaics, often using marble or colored stones, enhancing the building interiors and reflecting skilled craftsmanship.

A type of turned wood screen pattern that features traingular pieces intercepting other patterns. See also khart.

This term was historically used to refer to craftsmen or scholars who are educated in geometry or mathematics. Holders of this title in the Mamluk and Ottoman periods were equivalent to modern architects.

A very important type of decorative vaulting in Islamic architecture known for its stalactite or honeycomb-like series of niches. In Cairo, it is typically found at the top of entrance portals or as part of the zone of transition below a dome.

A term related to religious devotion, often referring to devotees or disciples in Sufi contexts.

Bichrome masonry in red and white. The earliest examples of mushahhar masonry date to Umayyad Spain and were later brought to Egypt. It frequently appears in Mamluk and Ottoman Cairene buildings.

One of the classic "six pens" of Arabic calligraphy. It was developed in the Abbasid period by the vizir Ibn Muqla as one of the proprtioned calligraphic styles. Naskh gained remarkable popularity in the Ottoman period after the refinements introduced by the famous Ottoman calligrapher Shaikh Hamdallah.

A porch area leading into a building. The Arabic word riwaq means both portico and a system of arcades.

The city of the dead in Islamic Cairo. It was named after Banu Qurafa, a Yemeni clan that settled in that location in Fustat. The Qarafa has been an active burial place since the early inception of Fustat. During the Mamluk period, it became one of the most popular building sites for the sultans and amirs, who invested in building grand funerary complexes as endowments (waqfs). It is also the location of the funerary complexes of many members of the Family of the Prophet and notable scholars such as al-Imam al-Shafi'i.

The first Islamic caliphate which ruled from 632–661 CE or 11–41 AH, under the leadership of companions of the Prophet.

a complex endowed (waqf) building of a water fountain and a primary school.

The Islamic declaration of faith.

A position developed in Ottoman Egypt in the eighteenth century, which was usually bestowed on the person who would hold the highst authority in Egypt. One of the most famous persons who took that position was 'Ali Bey al-Kabir in 1761.

a mausoleum for a holy person, usually a visitation site.

"It is a stone taken from an old structure
and repurposed for new construction or decorative purposes. "

Monotheism, declaring that there is no God but God.

Mother of...